Fort Illio Siberian Huskies

Eagle Lake 100 Mile Sled Dog Race

2012-01-23T16:20:00.001-08:00

When entering this race back in September we had thought that our team would of been much further a long in training by the time we reached the starting line. However that was not the case, due to icey training conditions a couple weeks prior the race, and lack of snow throughout the whole month of December. We were very fortunate for the Dionne's (thanks again guys!!!) to allow us to come and train with them for a weekend on sled, so we could see how our team was doing, in order to make the decision as to run the race, or sit this one out. Our longest run prior the race was only a 35 mile run, and that was on the fourwheeler. After a lot of hemming and hawing we decided, why not and just give it a shot! See how things go, and just take things step by step! Pretty much let the team decide this one! So Friday morning prior to the race, we packed the truck up, loaded the dogs, and off we went up to Eagle Lake Maine.

At the drivers meeting we were assured trails were in great shape, and they weren't lying one bit! Trails were beautiful despite the lack of snow we have had this crazy and bizarre winter! Looking at the weather for Saturdays 100 mile run, was a little worrisome for me, where they were suspecting 36 below zero with windchill. I have run dogs several times at 20 below...so 16 degrees more couldn't be that bad right!? Well all that worrying was pointless, because believe it or not I was actually sweating on the way home during that cold night!

So on to the details of the race! Well I finally picked my team, I think by Friday night. Team was going to be Kaleeta and Watt in lead, Roland and Bones, Kyat and Marocca behind them, Wallace and (Yoda), Rimbey and Lumos in wheel. Yoda had an infection come on quickly Thursday, so we decided to let him sit this race out and allow him for a quick recovery. So to replace Yoda, was a hard choice, but now after the race, I know I made the right decision, it was my yearling Waylon. So that left behind Dixie, Cree, Phoenix, Aryan, Yoda and Rosa. All for numerous other reasons.

Finally it came time to hook up, after hanging out for 3 hours at the race site getting the sled ready and dogs ready, and wait around wait around... We have all 10 dogs hooked up, and several handlers to get me up to the starting line, which was quite a jaunt away. I grabbed Jaye's handler Shane, and had him on the sled with me to help hold the team back, here I was thinking it's only 10 dogs, it won't be that bad. Well they were so strong that all the helpers were having such a hard time hanging on to them, and trying to hold them back, while Shane and I were both on both brakes on the sled. By the time I got to the starting line, 3 people had let go of the team. We got there with one minute to spare, Watt slipped his collar, so Mom had to run up and get his wiggly head in the collar. Meanwhile Shane is telling me how strong my team was, and how impressed he was. At that point my knees just started shaking uncontrollably! Nerves were starting to kick in! Before I could blink an eye, team was shooting out of the starting chute like a rocket, and poor Ken, Holly and Amy Dionne's Dad, almost got ran over, but he jumped in the snowbank with style!

The first 50 miles was a very nice run, like I said before, trail was beautiful! Some plowed roads, that kept you on your toes, but all in all a very good run to the half way point. We made it there before dark, and in 5 and half hours of run time! Very nice run! Once arriving at the checkpoint and getting the team parked, I must announce this because it just amazes me! After running 50 miles, you would think one would be tired...but while we were all trying to park the team, and get everyone situated, Rimbey chewed his neckline. I guess he just never gets tired. I was a little worried about my yearling Waylon who was on the team. I wanted to make sure he was going to eat and rest well. Which he did perfectly! We had 4 hours of rest time, and was set to leave at 8:54 P.M. I went and checked on the team a few times to make sure all were resting well, and were comfortable in their warm jackets mom made them, and their fluffy straw beds! Which they were! About 10 minutes to 8 o clock, I set out to bootie and get things packed up for our departure. Finally the crew came to get me, to help me maneuver around an apple tree and two cabins. Once around all of that 4 of the handlers let go, and left two handlers bringing me up to the starting line on a plowed road. Now knowing how hard of a time we had bringing my team to the starting line was in the beginning, you really think just two handlers was going to hold my team on a plowed road? Definitely not! We ended up leaving a few seconds earlier than scheduled due to no one being able to hold my team! And off we went. The run back was also very good, dogs were all doing great! We finished at 2:52 A.M. With a time back at 5 hours and 57 minutes. I was shocked we did both runs under 6 hours! We came in 11th out of 11 finishers, but 13 teams were entered. So we finished our 2nd 100 mile race! And I am very proud of the team! I just want to thank everyone that has helped me a long the way in one way or another, we couldn't of done this without your support and knowledge! So thank you!

~Fort Illio~

Training is in full swing...

2011-11-10T08:30:00.000-08:00

Well I think it's about time for yet another blog. I want to start off with how awesome the team is looking this year! They are rocking. They are taking everything we are throwing at them, and coming back wanting more! LOVE IT! I swear this team thinks they can take on the world! Which is what we all want!

We are now up to doing longer runs, which take a good part of the day, so on the off days or the evenings it is puppy time. Which means they either come in the house for an hour or so to just hang out, or we take them out in the big yard and let them free run for an hour or so! Well the other morning the impatient piebalds, earned their nickname well. This litter has been impatient sense the moment they came out of their mother, and I can easily blame that on their father Roland, who is one of the most impatient dogs I know! Anyhow the pies were busy while we were on our morning run, and dug out of their yard which resulted with them being loose in the male yard. Well most all of the males were with us on the team, they only got to bug the retirees, which don't pay much attention to the pups anyways. But weren't those four pups prouder than peacocks running around watching us come across the field and back in the yard. So that was the day we decided to introduce the pies to the big dogs, all went great and the pies love having more dogs to pick on and gang up on besides their siblings and mom all the time...plus I liked the ending result of them all being totally crashed afterwords!

Basically just catching everyone up to speed, all is well at Fort Illio. Dogs are doing awesome, and pups are growing up so nicely! Here are some photo's to enjoy, until next time! Happy Trails!

~Fort Illio~

The team

Pups crashed

Rosa

Pups meeting big dogs

Pups running

Pups in the house, They all know where the treats live!

Dixie the clown!

Leaves are starting to change color....

2011-09-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

Leaves are starting to change color, and yes that can only mean one thing...fall is here! The cooler weather during the days, the fall breeze and the crisp mornings, sure make some happy huskies in my neck of the woods! So yes consistent training has started for the huskies and they are very vocally happy about that! If you don't believe me just ask Rosa! Where in the early month of August we were getting up at 4:30 in the morning to get the team out while it was cool enough, it has become an ritual for the team to set their alarms off at 4:00 A.m, and 4:15, and 4:30, and and and...you get the picture, they want to run! The team is doing really great this year and we even have a few up and coming leaders. More on that later.

And I am sure you are wondering about the puppies, they have grown so fast and are all so smart. Cree's babies are so obedient and big! As Kyat's babies are just starting to learn about all the adventures, and of course learning how to sit. Most all of them have it nailed by now, but I will tell you it's quite a chore teaching 8 puppies to sit at the same time, compared to only 3! I certainly had my hands full that's for sure! The big puppies play with the big dogs now, and everybody gets a long great. So again all are happy.

It has been a very good and busy summer here at Fort Illio, got a lot of projects done, finished a bunch of stuff...we have been busy with the pups of course! I can easily say I love having puppies around and watching them learn, and get brave! What a joy to watch for sure.

Well that's about all the news here, here are some photos to enjoy!

~Fort Illio~

Puppies, puppies and more puppies!

2011-07-25T18:23:00.000-07:00

The Rock Band Litter is growing so fast, they are already 7 wks old, and are such a joy to teach things to. They new sit at 5 wks of age, and now they do it consistently! We have taken them on adventure walks, where they have to go over and under blown down trees, through water, and tall grass, nothing phases this litter one bit. Cree and Watt should be proud parents for sure. Here are some photos of them at 7 wks old!

Sable

Hinder

Shiner

Shiner

Sable

Hinder

We also have more exciting news, Kyat who we leased from our good friends Blake and Jennifer Freking from MN, was bred to Roland, and now we have 8 happy healthy puppies! They are all piebalds, and there was 5 females and 3 males. Kyat went into labor early Thursday morning, she would not let me leave her side. Around noon her water broke, and than we waited and waited for pups to start coming out. Finally about 5 hrs after her water broke it was time to start worrying...we went to the emergency clinic, and sure enough on the xrays show two pups stuck, one in front and the other was T Boning the stuck one. Not good! While looking at the xray I was counting heads, and was shocked to see 8 pups in there! WOW! The Vet strongly suggested a C section, which kind of bummed me out, but at that point what needed to be done had to be done! So that is what we did, and the best part was I got to watch all of this happen and learn, and help revive the pups! WAY COOL! I am pretty sure I am hooked and ready to be a Vet Tech for sure! All 8 pups survived and are growing like crazy, and momma is doing great as well! Here is a photo to enjoy!

That's about all the news for now!

~Fort Illio~

A picture is worth a thousand words...

2011-06-26T08:22:00.001-07:00

Johnny Jump Ups

Ryder & Tippin's Grave

Puppies...

Coming and going....

2011-06-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

About a month ago Blazer headed out to be with his buddy Storm. Blazer went to live with our new friends Mark and Katina, (the same people that have Storm) They loved Storm so much, they wanted his partner in crime (Blazer). Blazer hasn't been on the race team much the past two years, due to him having issues running anything over a 20 mile run. So we decided that Blazer would be best off in his new home, where he can set the pace of the team, and be spoiled, which we have no doubt that is what he is getting! Thank you again Mark and Katina for giving our loved boy a wonderful new home!

Now the more exciting news is we now have puppies!! Cree gave birth to three healthy puppies early Sunday morning. 2 males and 1 female. They are just the cutest little things, and are already keeping me on my toes. I have a feeling this litter is going to be a handful. :)The litter theme is names of Rock Bands. So introducing....

Fort Illio's Saving Able "Sable"

Fort Illio's Hinder

Fort Illio's Shinedown "Shiner"

Cree and her babies

Thats all the news for now!

~Fort Illio~

Wild Wild West...Yet Again!!! :)

2011-05-11T15:17:00.000-07:00

You think I would just move out there already! LOL! But responsibilities always seem to get in the way of dreams...SIGH

So yes I yet again made another trip out to MN. This time Mom and I went along with Jaye and Shane, it was a great trip, just long! It's funny how I forget all the time how long of a drive it is out there and back.

So of course we had a great and too short of a visit with Blake, Jen and their beautiful daughter Ellie, and of course all the furry creatures they have! It was a great time, but as usual way too short. And as I am sure you are all wondering, where you know I don't go to MN and not bring anything back to Maine. So there are two females here, one of which is visiting and the other is staying permanently. More about them later.

That's about all the news here, just been catching up on summer projects, getting the puppy building ready, its all wired, now we just have to insulate and put the walls up, and than get the whelping area set up. It's going to be nice. Cree is pregnant so she will be the first to use it. She is due at the end of the month. We have been busy building dog houses as well, replacing some old ones, and just building some news ones, for the new babies being born! It's never ending...

Dogs have just been lounging and playing hard during play time. We have been still running them on ATV, and plan to until it's gets to warm. The dogs seem to love it! Below are some photo's of the dogs running, and playing. Enjoy!

Well that's all for now until puppy time!

~Fort Illio~

Marocca and Dixie playing

Early morning run

The new girls, Kyat and Rosa

Water break

Stormy moves on...

2011-05-11T15:10:00.000-07:00

At the Greenville Race this year we met a really nice couple, that had Siberians, and they just fell right in love with Storm! I was thinking about placing Storm in a smaller kennel, where he would get more attention, and to help teach Mark and Katina's younger dogs what sledding is all about. Turns out it was a match made in heaven, and we couldn't be happier that Stormy is in a great home, and being spoiled like he deserves!! Thanks a lot Mark and Katina for sharing your life with Storm, and we hope he is what you wanted!

Storm with his new family (Mark & Katina)

Storm counter surfing

~Fort Illio~

Can Am 60

2011-03-18T05:35:00.000-07:00

Team coming into the finish!

This is the race we just love to go to and anxiously wait for all season! This race is a bit of a drive for us but so worth it. We left Thursday morning earlier than we normally leave, but the joy of going to school, I had to stop at my college and take a test that "could not be made up!" Those professors they sure are tough! Of course my mind was not in "school mode" where I was way too excited for the weekend to come! But I did the tests, and was in and out of there fast. Turns out I did better than I thought on it.

Anyhow the drive up was uneventful, stopped on the way and took pictures of Mt. Katahdin, where you can see it next to the road, and it was a clear day, so it was really pretty! We arrived right on schedule and arrived at our place to stay. Got settled in for the night, fed the dogs and got them all tugged in. Next day was vet checks. Woke up to a wonderful breakfasts being made by George and Maggie who was racing the 30 miler that weekend!

Vet checks went great! All passed with flying colors! Only one split on Aryans pad was the only issue! NICE! I have to say to have only one split all season with the miles we put on, pretty remarkable, thanks to mom for her bootie expertise!

Saturday morning finally came and it was snowing...I was hoping to do the race in 7 to 7 1/2 hrs, but the snow obviously was going to set us back a bit. Before we knew it dogs were harnessed bootied, and sled was ready, we were headed for main street. We were number 6 out of the shoot. The team was Wat and Roland in lead (the jokers) followed by them was Kaleeta and Cree, than Wallace and Yoda, And Lumos and Aryan in wheel. We flew out of the shoot under the bridge back up and we are supposed to cross the road...right boys! Well the boys hence why they are call the jokers, decided it would be fun to head down the road, towards a black cadillac, after some situating we were back on trail with the road crew laughing! We were underway again, team was clipping right along and I was jamming to my Ipod and running up hills! Passed a few teams and came into the checkpoint...hmmm joker boys again! They obviously know what a checkpoint is so when we arrived they were ready to pick out their spot! And almost took out a couple of volunteers that were in "their" way! I signed in and out and we were back on trail again. I pulled over shortly after the checkpoint and gave them some salmon, let them roll in the snow for few seconds and we were on trail again. Ipod back on, me running up more hills and paddling, passed another team. Still snowing we finally hit the 10 mile marker. The last 10 miles were uneventful and finally came to the finish line, with the team loping in! I got a lot of comments on the team with how they didn't even look tired after 8 hrs and 17 minutes of running! I came in 15th place out of 23 teams, our best placement yet at this race, where it is a highly competitive race! And we also qualified for the 250!!!!!!! I was very happy with the teams performance and just couldn't stop smiling the whole way! At one point shortly after the checkpoint, a chickadee flew over my team very slowly, it was very neat to see. But I couldn't help but think it had something to do with my grandmother who helped raise me when I was younger, she LOVED chickadees, so seeing this really made me smile and be thankful for her! Back at the truck we gave the dogs their well deserved warm soup, checked them all out, and found only 2 sore wrists. Not bad! The trail was very punchy with how warm it was, so only two sore wrists wasn't that bad. It was Wallace and Kaleeta and I know when it happened it was within the last 3 miles coming in where this section of downhills are, the trail was pretty blown out and the dogs were just swimming down the hill.

That's the Can Am recap. Now we are just trying to have a few more fun runs before the snow is gone and its a mud pit, and doing some spring projects. We need to finish the dog/puppy building. Need to wire it, insulate it, and put the walls up, and than organize it! Always busy doing something! Happy Spring!

~Fort Illio~

Sandwich 45 Miler

2011-03-09T07:35:00.000-08:00

Feb 19th we went to NH and competed in the Sandwich Sled dog race, doing a hard fast 45 mile run. The team was Kaleeta, Cree, Watt, Roland, Wallace, Bones, Rimbey and Lumos. I was amazed at how technical this trail was, everyone warned me that it was a technical trail, but I didn't think it was going to be a trail where you were kept on your toes 24/7. It was a fast hard trail, and I can honestly say I did more sled driving in that 45 miles than I did all season! We came in 8th place out of 14th place with a time of 4 hours and 26 minutes. I was holding the team back a lot where I didn't want any injuries, and save the team for the Can Am race!

Stay tuned for the Can Am race update!

~Fort Illio~

OUR FIRST 100 MILER!!!

2011-02-15T18:16:00.000-08:00

We did it!!! We finished our first 100 mile race, and I can easily say we are hooked and there WILL be plenty more to come! What a blasts it was! We did however came in last place, but we learned a lot on this race, and know it will benefit us in the years to come.

We left the starting shoot at 9:02 A.M. with bib number 2. The team was Kaleeta and Watt in lead, with Cree and Roland in swing, Wallace, Yoda, Aryan, Marocca Bones, and Rimbey and Lumos. The team flew across the 4 miles of lake, and crossed the two roads, and we were under way. We didn't get passed until we were about 8 miles out when Adam Cummings and a few other Alaskans teams, breezed by us. It was a little warmer than I would of liked but that is one thing we can't control for sure. About 20 miles out, I had to bag my 65 lb dog (Aryan) he rode in the sled for about 5 miles, and he certainly picked the toughest miles to ride in the sled for, where it seemed like it was all up hill, he seemed sore on his front... After the 5 miles he was screaming his head off, and wanted back on the team, back on the team he went. He settled right in to a nice pace and away we went. It was really getting warm at this point, and we were trudging along. A little after 3 P.M. we pulled into the checkpoint, and I can easily say the dogs looked a lot better than me, I was hot and tired and thirsty! First thing first take care of the dogs and get them bedded down for some rests. I hooked down the front of the team, removed booties, undid tuglines, fed everyone, checked dogs over well, and treated two slight sore shoulders, everyone was in great spirits and bedded down within 40 minutes of pulling into the checkpoint! Not bad for a rookie! Once the team was secure and calm, I felt safe enough to go to the bathroom get some chilly and two bottles of water and some energy boost...CHOCOLATE!!! Back out to check on the team, and they were sitting up at this point watching all the teams pulling out. I talked to mom and Jaye and Jayes handler for awhile, and than it was about time for Jaye to pull out. I was scheduled to leave about 45 mins after her. The 45 minutes went by fasts, as I was getting the team rebooted and gearing them up to go. I put on their red collars and we set out across the lake. At first I was wondering if the team was even going to go, but heading out of the checkpoint they surprised me and kicked it over drive and we literally tore out of there!!! I put on the Ipod and away we rolled. The first 20 miles went by so fasts as we were averaging 14 mph. I caught the team that left about a half hour ahead of me and passed her, which later on we played leap frog throughout the last part of the race. The snowstorm hit us about 24 miles from the finish line and it was coming down so fasts, that visibility was null all the time! I could only see the two dogs in front of the sled. I was soaked, and hot, and was just running up hill after hill after hill. Finally we crossed the finish line around midnight. I dropped Wallace at the checkpoint due to a sore hind end, but the other 10 dogs all finished the race, and finished happy and strong! I can easily say what a great experience! And thanks to everyone who helped us get to this goal!!! And especially thanks to my mom and step dad Mike! :)

Enjoy the photos below!

~Fort Illio~

Our first race of the season...

2011-02-02T08:43:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was our first race of the season, it was the low key 33 mile race we go to every year in Brownville Maine. As always the club and organizers put on a great race! As well as having all the volunteers around to help was a huge advantage.

The team was Kaleeta, Cree, Wat, Roland, Yoda, Marocca, Rimbey, and Lumos! We did the full 33 miles in 3 hrs and 23 mins, with only a few minutes behind 12 dog teams. We were the fastest 8 dog team to come in, and looked extremely strong coming in. That to me is our goal! Here is the link for the results http://www.critterwoods.com/RACE%20RESULTS.htm As well as some photos below to view, all 3 photos are of us coming in after running 33 miles! Enjoy! Now we are gearing up for the 100 miler race this weekend, stay tuned!!

Happy Trails!!!

~Fort Illio~

Photos, and update

2011-01-11T17:17:00.000-08:00

We are a bit bummed that our first 100 miler that was supposed to take off this weekend, has been cancelled due to lack of snow...this has been a pretty messed up winter. We are supposed to get some snow tomorrow, so lets hope we do, so we can get back at training in full swing. We went to Jefferson, NH to meet up with some friends and did some running there. All the photos below were taken by Kim and Kelly Berg. Awesome job girls! Thats all for now, enjoy the photos, and think snow!!!

~Fort Illio~

Team

Dixie

Cree

Cree

Bones

Snow=Happy Dogs & Happy Mushers!

2010-12-27T07:56:00.000-08:00

It has been a very busy month this past month, with getting laid off, and signing up for school, a trip out to MN and back, and running dogs, and getting ready for christmas...PHEW! Where has the time gone...

So first thing, yes I got laid off, but not at all bummed about it! I have decided to follow my dream and go back to school and become a veterinary technician! I am excited about the outcome, but not all excited about the schooling, but am very ambitious and motivated to get this done ASAP! Which includes working my butt off in the summer months as well! :)Will be such a help with this degree for sure!

Second thing, we made an awesome trip yet again to MN and back. Just can't stay away from there! We drove straight thru, and arrived right on time. Had some excellent runs out there on sled with the whole crew. Of course Kasey can't go to MN, and not bring anything back that has fur and 4 legs!? So we have two awesome boys here for the next few months to help me accomplish my goals this year. Wat and Roland are 5 years olds, they are brothers and have finished the Iditarod twice! With setting the fastest pure bred team in Iditarod history both times. They are available for stud use, while they are here in New England. It was just an awesome trip, and wish it could of lasted a month or so longer! But responsibilities always seem to get in the way...
Wat & Roalnd
So the next few months are going to be just as busy with training/racing dogs, and going to school, but its going to be so worth it in the end! Team is shaping up nicely, quite impressed with them, and how much further they are ahead from last year at this time. We have our first 100 miler in 3 weeks, and we are a little behind than I wanted to be, but not enough to really set us back too much. Either way we are going to have a blast doing what we love!

At this moment we are getting hammered on with snow, which is what we really needed! Now we can be on sleds as of tomorrow! Just going to be tough going, breaking trail but it will be a great work out for the dogs! :)

The puppies are doing awesome, and not really puppies anymore, they are huge! I mean huge! They are out with the big dogs now, and are such pros! :) They will be on moms team this year, just going out for the fun runs!

Well hope everyone had a great christmas, as did I. Hope you all have a Happy and Safe New Year, and Happy Trails! Below are some photos for you to enjoy!

Until Next Time....

~Fort Illio Kennels~

What do we do in Fall?

2010-10-07T10:42:00.000-07:00

Well we run dogs, run dogs and did I mention run dogs! :) Finally training season is here and we are clicking right along. Team is shaping up nicely, considering a minor slow start in Aug and Sept due to the warmer weather, but nothing that got us too worried. All our race entries have been sent in, and we just can't wait for the season to start!

We just came back from a nice camping trip with the dogs this past weekend. We went to the NH Trade fair, and had a great time, meeting people, talking with friends, running dogs...what more could you ask for? Puppies did great on their first excursion in the dog truck, first night they whined a bit, but second night they were much better! Now hopefully they won't forget about it next time they go on a trip! We have had the pups in harness a couple of times, and WOW! They both did awesome! It only took them each a few strides to take to their instincts. Amazing pups they are!

Well just a quick posts to let everyone know what we have been up to! Busy busy running the dogs!

Talk soon! Happy trails!

~Fort Illio~

Trip to MN, and MISC. News...

2010-08-25T10:16:00.000-07:00

Well the trip to MN went great! No issues on the way there or on the way back, PHEW! :) It was a quick trip unfortunately, where we both had to get back to work way too early. Regardless we still had a great visit with Blake and Jen, baby Elena, and dogs. We brought back our newest addition Bones, who is settling in fabulously! He is really taking to me a lot lately, loves the one on one attention of being groomed, but not the actual grooming itself. Mom bought the dogs this Kong ball and he loves it, so while being groomed he constantly has that in his mouth, and taking all anger and frustration out on that! That is the type of character that boy is! Always gets my laughing every time I go in the dog yard, which is many times a day! :) We ran him for the first time last weekend, and he was phenomenal. He definitely did not look like a yearling that's for sure! Some of my favorite pictures for you to enjoy of MN and Bones are below, the rest can be see at this link. http://picasaweb.google.com/fortillio/TripToMNJenAndBlakes#
Bones
Kotka's nephew (Hickory)
Bones Mom (Domita)

Now some sad news, we lost our Ryder boy on the 19th of Aug. Shortly after we got back from MN. He wasn't eating, checked him all over and his gums were yellow. Turns out after taking him to the vets that he had Liver cancer. His liver levels were 3634
and 2614, where they are supposed to be between 100-200. How this happened so fasts and sudden is beyond me. It was very devastating and shocking for us. He was only 8. And prior to the lasts 4 days of his life, he was fine...that just shows us once again how quick cancer works its way through. He was a very valuable team member, and is going to be deeply missed off the team this year. Fortunately we have some pups from him, that hopefully will carry his same drive and determination he had.
Bonnie Lundburg had sent this to me when I lost Ryder, I think it is perfect! :) "Doggie Heaven"
Ryder

On a brighter note we have been out a couple of times with the cooler mornings here in Maine. Team is looking good, and it looks like we will be able to make it out towards the end of this week as well. I imagine within the next week or so, training will be a lot more consistent, once the weather cools down for good. I am looking forward to this racing year, we are signed up for 2 100 mile races, as well as the Can Am 60 again. Should be an adventurous year... but than again when isn't it!?

Well I think that is all the news for now! Phew! Hoping to get some more pictures of the puppies that are not so much puppies anymore, and the new boy Bones soon. Stay tuned!

Hope for cooler weather!

~Fort Illio~

DONE! PHEW!

2010-08-10T06:42:00.000-07:00

Well I can say the kennel is done for the mosts part!! We just have a few odd and end stuff to touch up on, but when don't you!? The dogs love the new kennel, and can really get moving in it, but they still arn't so sure of the play yard yet. When we turn them all loose they have all three sections of kennel to run in, the boy yard, girl yard and play yard. So of course they run out in the play yard, but as of right now they spend mosts of their time in eachothers areas scrounging for food or smelling everything. I believe they will be enjoying the play yard a little more in a few weeks when we can really start training heavy. They will never want to leave the play yard! LOL! With this new setup we can leave right from the yard. We got to practice that last weekend where it was cool enough to run! Oh what luxury it was to hook up at your own yard and not have to truck somewhere! It was so nice! :) Dogs were great on the new trails, and listened well to all the commands. We definately had the leaders on their toes with all the new commands, and coming out of the gate and going back in, all did so well! Pictures below.

Now we have been trying to get the dog building done ASAP. It's always a working progress, but we are coming along on it, and it will be so nice to have a building just for dog stuff! Can't wait to get it all organized. Pictures below as well.

Puppies are growing like weeds! In a week or so they will be on tie outs, so I am sure they will be telling me off about that. :) It's that time. They are so smart, and fun to have around! :)

This week we are heading to MN to get one more addition to Team Fort Illio. Stay tuned for more details. Well thats all the news for now. Enjoy all the photos! And pray for cooler weather!

~Fort Illio~

Dog building
4-wheeler ready for some dogs!
Exit Gate
Play yard
1st Training run of the season :)
Dixie and Waylon
Tippin
Tippin with my camera case.
Waylon and Tippin
Dog Building
Handsome Waylon
Puppies
Dixie and Tippin

Moving forward...FINALLY!

2010-07-13T10:38:00.001-07:00

First off it has been a really busy summer! The dog kennel has taken more time than we all anticipated but no doubt it will be done in less than two weeks and that is including the play area...it has to be!!!! There is no choice. I want to start training no later than mid August, with hoping to hit the trails around the first or second weekend in August, providing the weather cooperates like the last few years. All depends on the kennel right now. We are making head way and by this weekend the main yard should be done, and we should have a big dent on the play yard. I keep looking at this new and improved area for the dogs, and just can't wait to turn them all loose in it and to see their reactions!! I have some that I believe will just open up their four barrels and let it rip! Can't wait to witness it. Their will be pictures for sure! Hoping to take some this weekend after we get most of it done!
:-)

Now for the puppies, they don't really look like puppies anymore, more so like mini adults! But they are great and I have been having a blasts with them being around! I have been taken them on all kind of fun walks, and took them to the brooke about two miles from the house to swim on those blistering hot days, of course they loved it, photos will be below. I need to get new photos of them so you all can see how well they have grown and see the legs they all need to grow into! Nanuk finally made it to Denver, CO to his new home, where I believe he is getting spoiled! :-) (Thanks Will & family) It was a chore and a half to get him on the plane, but it all worked out in the end. Remind me to never deal with DELTA again! Pictures of the big boy in his new home will be below as well.

Just thought I would give everyone a quick update. Hoping to update in a couple weeks with the new kennel pictures with the dogs enjoying it! Stay tuned! And enjoy the photos below!
All the pups enjoying the water, we took all 8 dogs to the river at once! What fun!!!
Waylon
Tippin
Nanuk
Nanuk at the office with his new dad!

~Fort Illio~

Lots to do!

2010-05-18T05:53:00.000-07:00

We have been busy with getting things ready to start the new kennel project. We just got a lot of building supplies for the new dog building that we will start building this week/weekend. Got 250 feet of fencing at the new area right now. We still need to go and take down 477 feet that we located and bought! Now just need to take it down and transport it. So all together with all the fencing we have now, its close to 1100 feet. Which is about what we need. Now you have an idea of how big this new kennel is going to be! :) Its going to be BIG!

Puppies are growing like weeds and are at the age now of keeping me on my toes! They are such a joy to have around. They will be 5 weeks old on Wednesday. Where does the time go? It's cute how all their different personalities are starting to come out. Dixie is the fiesty female, that is really smart! Waylon is the clown, he is just so silly and happy ALLLL the time! Jackson is the wanderer, always on the go, and trys to pull fasts one on me quite often, which he accomplishes more often than he should! :) And typically Tippin is the momma's boy! Whenever I am near or around the pups he is usually all over me, or whining because he can't get to me. He is so cute! :) He is the only one with his ears up!

As far as the big dogs, they are just resting and enjoying the sun and cool breezes they are getting, probably dreaming about their new kennel, I keep telling them about! Yesterday was hot so we let them play for over an hour and changed all their bedding to fresh clean shavings! :)

To end this update enjoy some puppy photos! I will check back in soon.

Tippin
Dixie
Waylon
Waylon
Pups in the laundry basket after they filled their bellies!
Jackson

Happy Spring!

~Fort Illio~

PUPPIES!!!

2010-04-15T06:46:00.000-07:00

Finally we have some puppies!! Cree delivered four healthy pups April 14th in the evening, started at 8:30 at night, and it went well into the next morning. All pups and mom are doing great! Cree has been such a good mom through the whole process! . She had 3 males and 1 female. 3 white and 1 gray and white. Very similiar to Cree's litter when she was born. Her's was 3 whites and 1 gray and white, but opposite sex, 3 females and 1 male. Pretty interesting! We are naming these little critters based on the country band theme. So introducing Waylen, Tippin, Dixie, and Jackson! Some photo's to enjoy!

More to come when they start to grow!! Until than, Happy Spring everyone!

~Fort Illio~

Spring is here...

2010-03-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

First off, want to say sorry for taken me so long to do a post, but I have a good reason! I have been trying to buy this house I wanted sense October, and finally last Thursday was closing, so the week after the Can Am, I was busy packing, so I could move the following weekend. So I have been busy! Now that I am all settled in the new house, I have a little time to do an update! First about the new house, its got a very large back yard for the dogs when they move up here in just a few short months. We will be working on the new kennel shortly, and hope to have it done by July! I am doing a lot more different things to this new kennel. Setup is going to be heaven! There will be a puppy kennel/retiree kennel. Females will be in one yard, than in the other side of the yard will be the males, than out back there will be a big play area for when we turn them all loose. Hoping this summer we can build a jungle gym thing. With a tunnel, ramp and stairs. I have all these ideas now I just need to put them together the best way possible! Hoping to have pictures through the process, so you can follow!

Second off, the can am and why we chose to scratch at the checkpoint. The team did really good the first 18 miles, and that is when Phoenix came up sore with a shoulder and wrists, same leg, trail was punchy due to it being so warm. Remembering how bagging her was I just slowed the team right down and kept on chugging along, where she ran a lot better with a slower pace. At about that time my good friend Becki passed me, and we both agreed that the temperture was absurd! It was way too warm for Fort Kent, but that is something us mushers can't control! And boy wouldn't we all like too! Anyways, at that point, plan was to drop Phoenix at the half way point and than continue on. At about Mile 23 the team was really getting hott! It must of been close to 50 degrees in the sun, because I was sweating. I NEVER SWEAT! Two of my dogs get hot faster than the rest of the team, they just kept throwing themselves in the snowbanks all the time. I would stop and let them roll in the snow, than when I tried to get them to go, they would but not with a lot of enthusiasm. This to me isn't good, I want my team to have enthusiasm and want to go, not want to roll in the snow all the time because the temperture is taking a lot out of them. I watered them quite a bit the day before, and gave them their morning water/breakfasts a few hours before the race, but it didn't seem like it helped them that much. So as we were getting closer to the checkpoint, I didn't want those two that were getting way too hott way too quick to get to the point of overheating, you can ruin your best dog that way. So instead of dropping 3 dogs and continueing on, I made the decision to scratch. I knew we could do the Can Am 60, we have completed it before, I needed to remind myself, Kasey this is just a race, take care of your dogs and make the best decision based on the team. And that I did so. Of course I was dissappointed, and wished we could of finished it, but I wasn't going to put more pressure on the pregnant female I had on the team at the time, with dropping 3 dogs, granted she was only 3 weeks pregnant, but puppies are way more important to me than any race! Oh and I am sure you are wondering who the 8 I chose for the Can Am team, they are Kaleeta, Cree, Aryan, Wallace, Phoenix, Yoda, Ryder and Lumos. Blazer didn't go, and I regreted not taking him, but due to a shoulder injury he had 3 weeks prior I was worried that would come back and haunt me on this punchy trail. Kotka and Marocca sat out for the same reasons.

Well thats all the news for now, I will check back in, if and when we have pups!

Happy Spring!

~Fort Illio Kennels~

Girl Scouts

2010-02-23T07:37:00.000-08:00

We were asked to attend a girl scout meeting in a town near us, and talk in depth and detail about the sport of mushing. There was about 18 girls, with teachers and parents as well. Everyone had a great time! I brought Kaleeta, and some gear to show the girls, how to boot, wristwrap, harness and etc... The girls had a lot of fun, and were very interested! We have never really done educational programs on this sport, but it was a lot of fun, as always when it is something you take interest in! The girls had a lot of great questions to ask, and were very interactive with Kaleeta! Enjoy the photos below.

Training in NH

2010-02-23T07:16:00.001-08:00

This past weekend we went to Stratford NH and trained with some friends (Jaye & Becki). The trails in NH were in great shape, and it was exactly what the team really needed! They needed to be on the road before the Can Am came around where we are on the road for 4 days. Everyone ate well on the truck! The team had a great time on new trails, and having the trails not be hard packed was a huge plus and perk for the team. The hard packed stuff we have been running on at home the past few weekends isn't doing justice for the team at all! So it was great to get away, explore new trails, and have some actual snow to run on!! Enjoy some pics below!

~Fort Illio~

Greenville 30 Mile Race

2010-02-10T07:41:00.000-08:00

We always love this race and the effort the crew puts into it! We had a great time as always. Trail was in beautiful shape considering the rain we got, and the toll it took on most trails. I was very impressed. It was a hilly trail, and the views was just to die for. Times were very close and we placed 14th out of 18 teams, with a time of 2 hours and 46 minutes. The team was Cree and Kaleeta in lead, Wallace and Kotka, Yoda and Aryan, than Blazer and Lumos. Ryder set this one out, due to him loosing focus when we pass teams or teams pass us, I had to be very picky, where I couldn't decided who to leave out. Phoenix and Marocca set this race out as well. And Storm and Kody are now running on moms team for the remainder of the season. Storm so he can heal properly and go at a slower pace, and not run as much or as hard for the meantime. Kody well its his official time to retire, this saddens me, because he has always been on my race team and usually is my go to dog. But when we ran on sunday and mom ran him in solo lead on her team, his face made me feel a WHOLE lot better. He deserves this and very much appreciates it! We hooked up moms 5 dogs first because they were going nuts, and got her off. Than I hooked up my 9 by myself which was easy. I came up behind her, passed her, and glanced back at Kody who was smiling ear to ear! He was loving it! HE can set the pace, HE is running lead, and HE is KING! :) Or so he thinks he is, we won't burst his bubble!! So hang on mom, Kody will throw you a lot of obstacles but they will all turn into great memories!! I know I have plenty with that boy! Enjoy!

Until next time we are all crossing our toes, finger, and paws here at Fort Illio in hoping to get some snow very very soon!!! We need it so badly!! So we don't really know yet where the racing and the season will go at the moment, its all up in the air until we get some snow!

Happy Thinking SNOW!!

~Fort Illio~

KI 30 Mile Race

2010-02-01T13:29:00.001-08:00

Team at the finish of the race!

I always enjoy this race, the crowd of people, the work the club does to put this on. I can't say enough good things about this race! Always a pleasure to attend it!

The team was Kaleeta and Cree in lead, than Wallace and Kotka, than Yoda and Aryan, Marocca and Phoenix, Ryder and Lumos, Blazer and Kody. We had a great run, team did awesome! They were used to pacing themselves, with taking in consideration of running the 100 miler next week. Hence that is how I trained them. I just kept calling them up and calling them up, CREE was loving it!! She loves speed anyways, so the faster we went the better she liked it. I had a blasts! We came in 5th out of 12 teams with a time of doing 28 miles in 2 hours and 42 minutes! According to my GPS we were averaging over 11 mph! :) The trail was very hard and fasts, but it was in great shape considering what the rain did to all the trails around us. The team came in just as strong as they went out, loping in! NOW that to me is a successful race, I like nothing more than to come in with the team looking like the photo above!! Very proud of them all! :)

Now the bad news, the 100 mile race in Greenville got cancelled. Big bummer considering all the work we did as a team to be ready for it, but I guess that will just help us get more prepared for next year. We can't control the weather unfortunatly! We need SNOW!! We are going to still do the 30 mile race that the crew worked so hard to get together! :) Now I just need to pick the 8 dog team out of 13 dogs! UGH! That will be a hard one. This is a fun race as well, so we all can't wait for it! :)

Until than...THINK SNOW!!!!!!

~Fort Illio~

Good times...

2010-01-18T09:37:00.000-08:00

We had a great weekend, with some great friends. On Saturday we went to Brownville and put in a nice 36 mile run. I borrowed one of my friends dogs (Maggie Wey) Lumos which is my Phoenix's brother. He did great! He can trot for miles beyond miles, he would make a great distant dog. I put him next to his sister Phoenix and you can see the photo below, its just too cute! He is much bigger than her.

Cree ran lead on Saturday, and I got thinking that this was the longest run she had ever ran lead before, and she handled it perfectly! I was happy to realize this because now she should be ready to lead at some of the races! She just keeps impressing me more and more.

On Sunday we ran at our normal training area and did a nice 20 miler, the team needed a break, with putting on 100 miles this week. I had Lumos in my team again, and he did great as always! Boy does he love food!

Last Wednesday we did a nice long run with a camp out, to get the dogs used to resting...They did great as far as eating immediately on the line, everyone ate! But the resting part they must of forgot about, because they didn't want to rest. Next time we will have to run them further to get them to rest. Plan on doing that this week! :) So stay tuned. The pictures below are from our camping trip with the dogs. At one point you can see for miles, and that is at 2556 feet in elevation! It's a climb for sure!

Nothing else going on, we have just been working our butts off trying to get in gear for the 100 mile race we are entered in at the first of February. I have to say so far everything is going smoothly...knock on wood! Well to end this enjoy some photos!

Happy Trails!

~Fort Illio~

Photos

2010-01-14T11:35:00.001-08:00

Here are some photos that Maggie's friend took of our team this past weekend! Thanks Tyson!

Kaleeta and Cree lining out!

Kaleeta and Cree again, such good girls!

Phoenix!

Training 1/11/2010

2010-01-11T16:26:00.000-08:00

This post is going to be mostly of photos. This past weekend we did a lot of training with the dogs, and at a few rare moments I was able to snap a few photos. On Saturday the camera was dead, which was a big bummer, because the scenic views we had on Saturday were just amazing! The trail Saturday was very very hard, reminded me a lot of the Can Am 60. I thought we were never going to see the truck, we just kept climbing and climbing and climbing! We climbed in elevation 2556 feet, according to my GPS! I could see Flagstaff lake, and Sugarloaf Mountain at the same time. Pretty neat! Again wish I had my camera. Amazingly with the dogs being so tired on the way back in on Saturday, they still loped in the last 5 miles in to the truck, and came in very strong and happy! Even dragged me a mile!! Sunday's run I made it a little easier on them, only went 20 miles and it was a much easier trail, the dogs loved it! I wanted to keep their spirits up!

Here are some photos!

Two of these photos are of Ray's team, who trains with us a lot. In swing on his team is a black and white male who is Pirate, My Kaleeta's and Aryan's brother. In one of the photos you can see Phoenix flying! LOL! :)

No moose pictures at all, camera was dead on Saturday, and I didn't go that way on Sunday. We had a great weekend training with everyone, and I want to thank everyone that helped me hook up! Cathy and Eric, Maggie, Ray and Sue, and most of all MOM!

Happy Trails!

~Fort Illio~

Hard 16 miler...

2010-01-05T11:59:00.000-08:00

As I was saying in my previous blog we went out and broke out our trail. Unfortunatly we didn't break out the full 30 miles, due to getting close to running out of gas on the machines. The machines were working really hard trying to break out the trail, with atleast two feet of snow to plow through. So we only made it 8 miles out and 8 miles back, having it be a 16 mile run the night after. When we went through on snowmobile, there were hardly any moose tracks at all, which earlier this fall there was a lot of moose activity on this side of the mountain, never once saw them, but there was a lot of signs of them. So not seeing to many signs Sunday night, I was quite convinced that maybe they moved to the other side of the mountain where the loggers are cutting. Boy was I wrong!

We hooked up the dogs on Monday evening when we all got out of work, and headed out. About at mile 7-8...WOW! Talk about a lot of moose activity! They must of had a field day after we broke out the trail. TRACKS everywhere, and at one point you could see where one of the moose bedded down right next to the trail! I just kept thinking I hope the moose just stay where they are! There is one track out there, that is HUGE! The biggest track I have ever seen for a moose, and same track I have been seeing all fall. Luckily we didn't encounter one of the big creatures that run, and lets hope for the remainder of the winter as well! :)

As far as the team and how well they did, lets just say I couldn't stop smiling! The trail was hard going, considering we just broke it out the night before, so there isn't much of a base. Plus the fact that its a tough terrain anyways. But the team handled it extremely well, and came in just as strong as they took off! Again I just couldn't keep smiling. And of course the two characters of the team just keep me laughing anyways... Cree and Marocca. Cree just kept trying to run in the tracks of the moose, she just loves to hunt when she has the opportunity, never even skips a beat amazingly! And for Marocca, she just has the best attitude, just loving life, bouncy and happy all the time! She acted like she never even ran a mile when we got back to the truck!

Oh and a tip...NEVER feed Kotka beaver by hand, what and ALLIGATOR!!! I forgot how bad she loves beaver from last year. I think I will remember from here on out though!

Hope to take pictures of all the moose tracks this weekend and share them with you!

All for now!

Happy Trails!

~Fort Illio~

Introducing the Blog...

2010-01-04T09:23:00.000-08:00

Well I decided I was going to try this blogging stuff out and see if it's easier for me, rather than writing journal entries. I think its going to benefit me in time already!

We finally got a significant amount of snowfall this past weekend, and trails should be great from here on out! I am taking the team out for a nice long run tonight and see how things look. Where we run, there is a lot of moose, so I am hoping not to encounter one of the big creatures this evening. Where we are running this year, its a different spot, we can go further, and there is a lot more hill training, plus a much wider trail. Which is what I prefer running on, when running 10-12 dog teams. Well atleast until I get good at it! :) Although I still like those fast narrow windy trails, they give such thrill rides! :) Plus the dogs really love it!

I should have pictures soon, to share with this blogging stuff, but won't be until this weekend.

The team is doing really well this year, just a few minor injuries, but both dogs are coming out of them just fine. Storm has a minor wrists injury, so another week and he should be good to go. Kotka has a minor shoulder injury, which I think she is better now, tonight we will know for sure. But she is little so I can easily bag her if needed.

We are gearing up to run the 100 miler at the beginning of next month, so we will be very busy from now until then! Both excited and nervous at the same time!

Tried out my new cooker I got for Christmas, and LOVE IT!!! Works great! Can't wait to be on the trail and use it!

Thats about it! Hope everyone had a good Christmas and New Years!

Happy Trails!

~Fort Illio~